Our first New Fantasyland live chat was so popular, we’re doing it again – and this time we’ve got more to share. On October 15 at 2 p.m., Creative Director with Walt Disney Imagineering Chris Beatty will join us here on the Disney Parks Blog to answer your questions and also share a few surprises.

During the chat, we’ll be sharing something New Fantasyland-related that you’ve never seen before, so be sure and join us on Monday. This will be our final live chat on the topic before the official grand opening on December 6.

Also, please share any early questions you have in the comments section of this post and then check back on Monday at 2 p.m. See you then.

49 Comments

1

Brian on October 9th, 2012 at 11:36 am

October 15th is my birthday and this is the 1st time I’m not taking the day off from work. So I won’t be able to join in. Of course, I didn’t take off because I’m heading to WDW later in the week so it’s not all bad.

2

Robert from FL on October 9th, 2012 at 11:48 am

What’s next after New Fantasyland? Maybe something new for Epcot..?

3

Joyce on October 9th, 2012 at 11:48 am

Can we see more photos of Be Our Guest? What’s this picture of?

4

Allie on October 9th, 2012 at 11:52 am

Can’t wait for the opening of New Fantasyland! Is there gonna be any “Behind the Scenes” tours opening anytime soon for that side of the park? Thanks for posting these!

5

Emily on October 9th, 2012 at 12:21 pm

Does Under the Sea: Journey of the Little Mermaid have any different scenes than Ariel’s Undersea Adventure? Perhaps and elaborated climax with Ursula?

6

Nicole from FL on October 9th, 2012 at 1:10 pm

Is there any limited edition merchandise being sold on 12/6 to commemorate the day?

7

Michael on October 9th, 2012 at 3:22 pm

Will the Evil Queen be making an appearance in the new Fantasyland?

8

corrie on October 9th, 2012 at 4:31 pm

Can’t wait for Grand Opening Day!!! Will there be any special events held that day? I know there will be all kinds of limited pins (they look amamzing!), but what about special character greetings or opening events? Also when will the menu for Gastons be posted? Can’t wiat for Monday!

9

Scott from RI on October 9th, 2012 at 5:22 pm

I can’t wait for the opening as well, do you know what the schedule of events will be for the 6th?

10

Annie on October 9th, 2012 at 6:22 pm

The details released so far are incredible & I can’t wait for December! What do we have to look forward to in the West Wing?

11

Lee on October 9th, 2012 at 9:45 pm

is this interview recorded so we can watch at later that day? I’m at school and won’t be able to view

12

rebecca on October 10th, 2012 at 10:23 am

Will the new Be Our Guest restaurant have a children’s menu during their dinner service?

13

Nick on October 10th, 2012 at 1:33 pm

How exciting! Will it go online at 2pm PST, or EST?

14

Chris on October 11th, 2012 at 4:25 pm

How much will the INTERIOR (meaning the actual attraction show scenes) of ‘Under The Sea – Journey of the Little Mermaid’ differ from the California version?

15

Erin on October 11th, 2012 at 4:34 pm

Will there be fastpass available for the new rides?

16

Michael on October 11th, 2012 at 5:27 pm

Will face-painting be available in the New Fantasyland? Our granddaughter LOVES to have her face painted, and we are hoping it will return to MK with the grand opening. Also, please make a transcript or recording of the chat available for those of us unable to participate. Thanks for all the wonderful photos and details over the last few months. It’s been exciting to watch!

17

Costa on October 11th, 2012 at 7:26 pm

I know beer and liquor is not sold in Magic Kingdom, but Gaston’s Tavern is messing with me a bit. It’s a Tavern, so will beer be sold there?

18

joey on October 12th, 2012 at 12:12 am

what does “open for previews” November 19th mean at the new fantasyland, we are arriving Nov. 20th and would love to experience fantasyland with our little princess, we are eating at the Be Our Guest Restaurant, but would love to see Prince Erik’s castle!

19

Zachary on October 12th, 2012 at 4:46 pm

Will there be any types of live entertainment offerings in New Fantasyland?

20

Lauren on October 12th, 2012 at 9:26 pm

Can you give any specifics about any events, ceremonies, pomp and circumstance, etc. that will be going on for the Grand Opening of New Fantasyland on December 6th beyond just limited edition merchandise special for the day? Will there be any opening day ceremonies or festivities, similar to the opening of The Little Mermaid: Ariel’s Undersea Adventure ride in Disney California Adventure Park last year where Jodi Benson and Alan Menken performed as part of the opening day ceremony? Any information and specifics you can provide would be greatly appreciated.

21

Lois on October 12th, 2012 at 9:42 pm

Can you provide any specifics or details about the interactive queue with Scuttle for Under the Sea ~ Journey of the Little Mermaid?

22

Lois on October 12th, 2012 at 9:44 pm

Will there be special new merchandise inspired by the Little Mermaid areas of New Fantasyland even though there is no designated shop dedicated to the Little Mermaid, like Bonjour! Village Gifts? If yes, where/what store will this merchandise be sold?

23

Lauren on October 12th, 2012 at 9:53 pm

With the surprise soft opening of New Fantasyland on Friday, October 12th, can you tell us if New Fantasyland will be open to the general public as part of this soft opening everyday from now on, or only on certain days? Will it only be open for select hours or all day? I will be in WDW from October 17-22 and would LOVE to get to experience this new area.

24

Robert on October 13th, 2012 at 3:22 pm

What will passholders or D23/DVC members see during their “preview” days that is different from the “dress rehearsals” that are currently going on?

25

marcia from NJ on October 13th, 2012 at 5:09 pm

Hi we will be at Disneyworld on Dec. 6 what grand opening pointers do you have arrival time where to go etc. any one of a kind items for that day? thanks

26

Annie on October 13th, 2012 at 10:07 pm

There is so much detail on Beast’s castle & with Little Mermaid. Is it hand-carved? Laser-etched? Combo? Thanks!

27

Mike on October 14th, 2012 at 2:22 pm

What will the reservation system be like for this new Restaurant? will it be covered by the Magic Your Way promotion?

28

Allie on October 14th, 2012 at 5:02 pm

That’s funny… there’s another Allie posting on the blog! LOL!

What is going to happen for the Grand Opening? My family is going to attend, and I’m SO excited! Is there a special ceremony, celebrity guests, etc.? Do we need special passes or anything like that?

29

Samantha on October 14th, 2012 at 6:34 pm

Will any merchandise be available during Passholder previews?

30

Samantha on October 14th, 2012 at 6:37 pm

Thomas – will this be starting at 2pm eastern time? Also, will I be able to watch this after it has been recorded? I have class during the interview

31

Alex on October 14th, 2012 at 7:53 pm

What all will be open with the Grand Opening? Will all the attractions be open or are only some?

32

Amy on October 14th, 2012 at 8:47 pm

My daughter is the biggest Ariel fan and we will be in WDW
Nov. 23rd till Dec. 1st. What are the chances of us being able to do ALL of Fantasyland since the soft opening is Nov. 19?

33

Corinne on October 15th, 2012 at 5:50 am

Back in April on a post about Gaston’s Tavern, there was a question regarding whether or not alcohol would be served. Jennifer Fickley-Baker answered that she had confirmed that there would still be no alcohol served in the Magic Kingdom, as the tradition has always been. But I noticed that the menu for the Be Our Guest restaurant includes beer and wine. What prompted this decision?

34

Friend on October 15th, 2012 at 7:29 am

Will there any character dining at the be our guest restaurant ?

35

Katie from WI on October 15th, 2012 at 10:46 am

Are there any references to previous Fantasyland attractions, such as 20,000 Leagues?

36

Michael on October 15th, 2012 at 11:20 am

Will you be integrating “Themed” Solar Panels into the Park? If not in new Fantasyland then maybe for Tomorrowland during the next redesign?

37

Michael on October 15th, 2012 at 12:24 pm

Will you be integrating the Evil Queen into the Dwarf’s mine roller coaster storyline at all? Will we be able to go inside the Dwarf’s cottage?

38

Brina from FL on October 15th, 2012 at 1:32 pm

Will there be any Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom portals in New Fantasyland?

39

erin on October 15th, 2012 at 1:35 pm

I am heading to the parks on Sunday! First time back since 2010 and I am really looking forward to seeing some of Fantasyland. Will it still be in its “soft opeing” dress rehearsal next week?

40

Catherine on October 15th, 2012 at 1:41 pm

What was the most complex part about designing the New Fantasyland?

41

Belinda from FL on October 15th, 2012 at 1:44 pm

Will there be any other previews for the New Fantasyland (for annual passholders or DVC members) since the site crashed continuously then was full within 20 minutes? We were lucky enough to get to experience Dress Rehersals for Storytime with Belle on a recent visit, but would love to experience Ariel’s section and the Be our Guest Restaurants, etc.

42

Catherine on October 15th, 2012 at 1:44 pm

I heard that the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train isn’t opening until 2014. Is that true? If so why is that ride taking so much more time to build that the others?

43

heather on October 15th, 2012 at 1:45 pm

will there be a soft opening for test track?

44

Melissa on October 15th, 2012 at 1:49 pm

Will the Be Our Guest Restaurant be open for counter service before the dinner reservation soft opening on November 19th?

45

Catherine on October 15th, 2012 at 1:50 pm

How long did it take to design and build Beast’s Castle and the surrounding landscape?

46

Nancy on October 15th, 2012 at 1:55 pm

How do passholders get the fantasyland preview tickets

47

Ashley on October 15th, 2012 at 2:05 pm

At Be Our Guest Restaurant, will there be particular seating for Quick Service Dining at lunch or will each section be open for lunch and dinner? I am so excited to see all of it!!

48

CATHERINE on October 15th, 2012 at 2:19 pm

Any other soft opening dates?

49

Dean on October 16th, 2012 at 5:14 am

Any tips to aspiring Imagineers or any people who dream to work with Disney?

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